CES 2007: 3D gaming, surround sound, and waterproof accessories

Rob Wright, 7th January 2007

Need to transport your Xbox 360 console to a friend's house but don't have a roller suitcase that will fit the system? No problem, Atlantic has you covered with Gaming on Wheels. Want to carry your PlayStation Portable or DS Lite in the pouring rain without damaging it? You can do that, too, with GameSEAL.

There are usually plenty of items to catch the eye at CES, especially the CES Unveiled press event. This year, a few gaming-related products were introduced to a horde media crowded into a ballroom at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on Saturday. First up was Atlantic, which builds portable storage devices that allow gamers to transport their valuables. The company, based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, showed off a couple of products. Gaming on Wheels is essentially a briefcase that will securely hold your gaming console, a few controllers, and a healthy stable of games. The case currently goes to $99.99.

One of Atlantic's newest products is the GameSEAL, which will cover the PSP or DS Lite in a protective, waterproof case that uses a specially designed silicone sealing gasket and snap-locking latches that form a watertight seal (similar to Atlantic's EGO Waterproof Sound Case for iPods). The GameSEAL will also securely hold a number of games and accessories in a foam cushion. The product will retail for $39.99.

Next up was HotSeat Chassis, which displayed its HotSeat Flight Sim product, which is steel chassis designed to replicate a cockpit. The complete Extreme HotSeat Flight Sim package comes with a 23" widescreen HD LCD monitor mounted to the frame, an Intel Core Duo 1.8 GHz HotSeat Extreme system, a Dolby 5.1 surround sound system with a sub woofer under the seat, C&H Yoke and Pedal, a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse, and a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Oh, and the chassis has a cup holder, too. The Extreme bundle costs $3954, including shipping.

Lastly, TDVision Systems presented its 3D technology, including its TDVirtualCam. According to the company, the TDVirtualCam can be embedded into practically any video game program. Interestingly enough, the TDVirtualCam is a small bit of hardware that features a software algorithm which translates any 2D television image into true 3D imagery. TDVision says the technology is ideal for gaming. In fact, the technology displayed at CES Unveiled took normal 2D computer animation and transformed it into true 3D imagery. TDVision Systems has not announced a price for the technology and instead plans to concentrate on building partnerships with other companies and embed the technology in third party products.